Housing: Older People – Parliamentary Written Answer

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to increase number of local authorities with local plan policies relating to older people’s housing.

Christopher Pincher: Our planning rules already mean councils must consider the needs of older people when planning for new homes. In 2019 we published guidance to help councils implement the National Planning Policy Framework policies. On 19 January 2021 our Written Ministerial Statement set the expectation that all authorities should have up to date plans in place by the end of 2023.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2021-03-17/170733

Housing For Older People Should Be A Priority

There is an ‘acute’ lack of housing-with-care options for older people living in the UK, according to a recent report. This is housing that allows people to live independently in self-contained homes that are purpose-built and have the capacity to provide care. Housing and Care for Older People: Defining the Sector, by the British Property Federation (BPF) in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield, states that there are only 74,000 housing-with-care units in the UK, which accounts for just 0.9 per cent of older households. This is “significantly” lower than in the US, Australia and New Zealand. Read more on the Planning Portal.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/news

Lack Of Political Focus On Elderly Housing Could ‘Cost UK Billions’

A lack of political action on elderly housing could “cost the UK billions” if not properly addressed, Lord Richard Best has said. With social care being provided increasingly in the home, it is estimated that some 400,000 ‘lifetime homes’ are now required to meet the demands of an ageing population. According to Shelter, there are currently over two million older people living in non-decent properties. And the Local Government Association forecast the number of over-65s whose day-to-day activities are significantly limited will reach three million by 2025, a rise of almost 30%. Read more on 24housing.

https://www.24housing.co.uk/news/lack-of-political-focus-on-elderly-housing-could-cost-uk-billions/

Lack Of Age-Friendly Homes Exposes ‘Hidden Housing Crisis’

England’s ‘hidden housing crisis’ is exposed in the severe lack of age-friendly homes – with demographics defining a quarter of the English population aged over 60 within five years. Yet new housing is being built with little regard to the needs of this ageing population, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) says. A new RIBA’s report emphasises the importance of “well-designed, purpose built” new homes that enable people to play a more active role in their communities as they age. Download the report from the RIBA website.

https://www.architecture.com/-/media/gathercontent/work-with-us/additional-documents/11756-agefriendly-report-finalpdf.pdf

Not Enough Homes Being Built For Older People

The number of people aged 85 and over will more than double in the UK over the next 25 years. With an ageing population will come additional pressures on services and resources – and one area of specific concern is housing. Inappropriately designed and located housing can cause discomfort and suffering for older people, increasing the chance of accidents and falls in the home, fuel poverty and exposure to the cold – as well as increased isolation and loneliness. Recent research suggests the cost to the NHS from older people being poorly housed is over £600m a year. While some of the issues may be remedied with home improvements and adaptations, there is a need for more specialist accommodation for older people. Read more on The Conversation website.

https://theconversation.com/not-enough-homes-being-built-for-older-people-new-research-93602

Rented Housing: Older People – Parliamentary Written Answer

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of housing for older people in the private rented, social and council housing sectors.

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: In our Housing White Paper, the Government set out proposals to do more to provide the homes we need for all in our society, including older people. We are strengthening the National Planning Policy Framework, so that local planning authorities are expected to have clear policies for addressing the housing needs of older people. Planning authorities should also include a plan policy setting out their approach to promoting Build to Rent. We will be publishing further guidance on housing for older people this summer.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-04-16/HL6922

Housing For Older People Inquiry

The newly appointed Commons CLG Committee will continue the work of its predecessor on housing for older people in England. Renewed, the inquiry will examine whether the housing on offer for this group of people is sufficiently available and suitable for their needs and, in doing so, consider how older people wish to live. The committee will take into account the context of significant housing shortages, rising numbers of older people and pressures on health and social care – with public evidence sessions set to start next month. Read more on 24housing.

Later Life Housing ‘Largely Ignored And Not Understood By Government’

A new survey from Winckworth Sherwood has found a series of aspects of older people’s housing are ignored by government. The government are also failing to provide the choice of tenures and care options and is confusing for buyers, says a new report from law firm Winckworth Sherwood and Housing LIN, a specialist housing network of housing, health and social care providers. The report – The other end of the housing market: Housing for older people – also notes a marked rise in the number of private developers moving into this market and fear over high service charges holding back decisions to move. Download the report from the Housing LIN website.